Riding on a fire truck

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OddOneOut

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #1

Today the fire station in our (small) town sponsored a picnic and then gave rides on the fire truck to the kids. We didn't go, but we saw the fire truck go by a few times with the kids on it. They put kids as little as 3 or 4 on the TOP OF THE FIRE TRUCK! Am I crazy in thinking that that is NOT safe? Even if all they were doing was going slowly on side streets, no main roads that I could tell.

It is not uncommon for kids to be out of car seats by 3 or 4 around here, but it was the fire department. I guess I just would have expected a little more.

Do other fire departments do this, too. Just curious what you all think.

 

CTPDMom

Ambassador - CPS Technician

• Aug 28, 2010

• #2

Our department doesn't do it for picnics, but the firefighters children CAN ride on the engine (with the other parent) during parades.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Aug 28, 2010

• #3

We do not allow that at our station (small, tiny town) or the next two towns over. That is very dangerous, and even our back woods hick fire fighter know that. Before I get flames, remember, I am one of the fire fighters.

 

mommy-medic

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #4

OMG!!! That is NOT safe AT ALL!!! There was a firefighter death not too long ago from falling off the apparatus- while it was parked outside the bay! http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200727.html

The rules at my department clearly state that riding a moving apparatus from the outside is ONLY allowed when loading 5" hose (about 6-7" wide when flat, and heavy as all getout)- MUST be backing slowly AND have a spotter. Putting someone else's kids on it? Nuh-uh. No way. Heck the top of most trucks is a good 10' or better- and a fall from over 2x a child's height is potentially fatal. :thumbsdown:

 

natysr

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #5

I'd let Jordan do it.

 

emtb79

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #6

The only time I rode on the top was what mommy-medic said and I basically freaked out because it was a firefighter1 class and had never seen it before.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Aug 28, 2010

• #7

My DH's dept requires people to be 14 to ride in the truck. (No one rides ON the truck.) He said he was appalled to see a bunch of little kids piled onto a San Diego truck for a ride, though, so it's not just little towns that do it, apparently.

 

Pixels

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #8

Almost certainly what they did was illegal (as well as very dangerous).

 

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OddOneOut

New member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #9

Good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that's a little crazy. I'm sure I'm the only one in town, though who even thought about it.

I know my 3 year old ds would have loved to ride on the fire truck, but I just couldn't let him do it.

 

Mae

Well-known member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #10

CTPDMom said:

Our department doesn't do it for picnics, but the firefighters children CAN ride on the engine (with the other parent) during parades.

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What she said. My niece and nephews all ride in the trucks for parades; my stepdad is a captain. Either way, the firemen's family members (ok, the kids) are allowed to ride during the parade. This is also inside the truck, not on top!

 

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babyherder

Well-known member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #11

My little brother and cousin were invited to sit inside a fire truck after a parade in my grandfather's small town. But the truck was parked in the station. It didn't move!

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Aug 29, 2010

• #12

We do fire truck rides every year, but the kids are IN the truck, in properly installed seats.

 

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Maedze

New member

• Aug 29, 2010

• #13

What a bunch of....unspeakably idiotic hicks. Not to mention dangerous and stupid, it's incredibly unprofessional.

 

Judi's DH

Senior Community Member

• Aug 29, 2010

• #14

mommy-medic said:

OMG!!! That is NOT safe AT ALL!!! There was a firefighter death not too long ago from falling off the apparatus- while it was parked outside the bay! http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200727.html
:yeahthat:

The rules at my department clearly state that riding a moving apparatus from the outside is ONLY allowed when loading 5" hose (about 6-7" wide when flat, and heavy as all getout)- MUST be backing slowly AND have a spotter. Putting someone else's kids on it? Nuh-uh. No way. Heck the top of most trucks is a good 10' or better- and a fall from over 2x a child's height is potentially fatal. :thumbsdown:

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Our department and most departments in Oregon-Washington-Northern California it is against SOP/SOG's to ride on a moving apparatus for any reason. I believe there is an OSHA guideline against this as well as strict NFPA Guidelines on riding in or on an apparatus. That being said my job requires me to load 1000's of feet of hose a day including the dreaded 5-inch LDH your department needs something like this > http://www.nhts.com/spinner/index.html

it's far safer than loading from a moving truck. :thumbsup:
Your department can build one much cheaper than buying one from us I'm not trying to sell this just recommending it as a safer way to do things.

 

TechnoGranola

Forum Ambassador

• Aug 29, 2010

• #15

Our fire trucks have harnesses for *all* the firefighters now (they used to be exempt like buses for the firefighters so some firefighters, loaded with equipment just sat in the seats, I think they are the RF seats) so there is no way they'd ever be able to take a child with them as the harnesses are designed for adult firefighters *with* equipment and no none is allowed to be in the truck unrestrained. That being said, even before they had the adult harnesses and still had the exemption like a bus, they never drove anywhere with kids.

 

NannyMom

Well-known member

• Oct 11, 2010

• #16

Digging this up.

I was at a bday party for 1 of Sofi's friends. I was talking to the Mom of another of their friends. She said she was planning to have the kiddo's party at the fire station. Great idea :thumbsup: But then I cringed..... if it's a nice day, they'll take the kids out for a ride on the fire truck.

The carseat freak in me is freaking out TINY barely- 4 year olds..... riding on the truck. And her twins are smaller than Sofi! I'm thinking of calling the fire station. Maybe ask about doing a party.... and see what they actually do truck wise. I really doubt they have the kids properly restrained like Judi does Or, just pray for bad weather? I think it's in Nov.

WWYD?

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Oct 11, 2010

• #17

Ask if they are ok with you installing the seat. I would doubt they would do it right also. I saw pics from our neighboring station. Scenera, child harnessed, seat belt over, like booster mode.

 

NannyMom

Well-known member

• Oct 11, 2010

• #18

Judi said:

Ask if they are ok with you installing the seat. I would doubt they would do it right also. I saw pics from our neighboring station. Scenera, child harnessed, seat belt over, like booster mode.

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Would her having a carseat even help if there are 4 year old "projectiles"?

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Oct 11, 2010

• #19

True, you have a great point.


Ok, how about the new Britax Bubble? That should work.

 

NannyMom

Well-known member

• Oct 11, 2010

• #20

Judi said:

True, you have a great point.


Ok, how about the new Britax Bubble? That should work.

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I know someone that has a Roundabout sitting in front of her house. It has a moldy harness, and huge chunk of fray in the adjuster strap. I'm sure she'll let me borrow it, especially if I stop by while she's at work Do you think I could fit the entire truck on a Roundabout? Or should I find a Marathon?